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Silence and the Siren Within

May 7, 2013 by Chris

As we approach our one-year anniversary of moving aboard, I sit here in the cockpit, the Jet content by my side, head on my thigh. I’m amazed at how swiftly it passed. It’s funny but when I sit… quietly and examine my K9 pal, I notice the passage of time. His chin a little grayer. His step a little less swift. I can sit for long periods of time and just watch him sleep on my lap. He’s perfectly cool with that. I wish I could be that present and accounted for. And… as I reflect on the past year, I’m in awe of everything we’ve seen and experienced on our way around the Keys, up the east coast and back down. The breakdowns and busted knuckles.The heart-aches, head-aches and victories.

****

There is a soft southern wind blowing tonight; roof-lines stacked as silhouetted facades against the big-city lights. The tide laps against the hull as a gentle reminder that we are landlubbers no more. As if we need that. I hear  palm fronds rustle against each other like tropical corduroy pants. Cars wind through their gears, the cargo train crossing the New River railroad bridge is right on time and every now and then… a siren.

****

As we prepare to leave, the “plan” keeps changing and it’s making me unsure. The “money woes” creep back in and I can feel that familiar tightening and clenching of the jaw. What is that? We’ve had a great run here. We made some fantastic friends. Life-long friends. I call my friend Margaret our dream-catcher, for without her there is no telling. But it’s been an entirely different scenario. We got a lot accomplished on the boat. Many, many upgrades and needed repairs have been looked after but now I sit, quietly… wondering where we’re gonna land and what I’m going to do to keep this thing going. We’ve been lucky. Blessed. The universe has looked after us and yet every once in a while, has us careen into a bramble bush of reality. I’m ok with that I guess. Our experience thus far has been sideswiped and bears the paint scuffs, road rash and dented fenders. The lens covers on our blinkers are cracked and a harsh and glaring white light shines through. And as I write this… that siren reverberates off those facades and dims those big-city lights… just a tad.

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Filed Under: Musings, Vacilando - a Cal 35

Comments

  1. Cheryl says

    May 8, 2013 at 10:48 am

    Beautiful…soulful…and oh so true….Namaste my friends. xoxo

  2. danniehill says

    May 8, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Well written with many feelings that bring out desire, fear and wanderlust. Keep going with your dream.

  3. Darla Smith says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    Wow, So Beautiful. You guys have experienced and seen more in one year than most do in a lifetime. Whatever yall decide to do in the future, keep up the blog!!!! You both write so well, I never want to stop reading it. Love you both ( or I should say all 3 ) bunches and bunches. Stay Safe. Aunt D.

    • Chris says

      May 10, 2013 at 12:39 pm

      Darla~ Thanks for reading along. We have indeed packed in some experience this past year. We’ll keep going and keep posting as long as you all still find it interesting. Thanks for the kind words. Be well.

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ABOUT US

CHRIS: Singer/Songwriter and author from Philly, (and also the author of this blog), transplanted to Nashville, took a break from the music biz and somehow convinced his girlfriend (now wife) to live on a boat and began writing books. You can check out his music on iTunes or his books on Amazon.

MELODY: Thought her husband was crazy for wanting to live on a boat, but never one to shy away from an adventure, decided to play along and fell in love with cruising. She blogs about how to make money while cruising at Saving to Sail and helps solopreneurs build 6-figure digital product businesses at Soloprenista.

JET: Dutch Shepherd rescue who traveled more miles in his 14 years than most people do in a lifetime. Refuses to vacuum his own hair and instead insists on shrimp tails and belly rubs. (Update: Jet crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Sunday, May 23, 2021 but will always be our favorite crew member and is dearly missed.)

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